Lightning's Steven Stamkos: Status quo for Game 7

Stamkos (upper body) told reporters there has been "no status change" in his health and ruling himself out for Game 7 on Thursday against the Penguins, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis:

Despite initial indications that Stamkos was going to be able to return during the Eastern Conference Finals, he will instead sit out his 23rd consecutive game dating back to March 31. To be fair, the 26-year-old's return to the lineup would likely provide only an emotional boost to his teammates and fans as he is surely not up to game speed after failing to play in almost two months. At this point, fantasy owners should probably look to next season as far as a possible return goes even if the Lightning advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.